Phoenix nips San Miguel, narrows semis gap to 1-2

PHOENIX Pulse hung tough in the endgame to nip defending champion San Miguel Beer, 92-90, on Sunday in Game 3 of its best-of-seven semifinals series of Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Matthew Wright proved to be a clutch performer as he made all six straight free throws in the dying seconds that shattered an 86-all count en route to helping Phoenix trim the series deficit to 1-2.

“I have to commend my players, especially my bench players,” said Phoenix coach Louie Alas. “They helped us sustain our lead throughout the game because you know you can’t play inconsistent basketball.”

With Phoenix leading 90-86 with 26 ticks remaining, June Mar Fajardo quickly scored from the paint to narrow the gap but Wright made another two free throws with 21 seconds left to bring his team’s lead back to four, 92-88.

After Chris Ross scored on a lay-up with 15 seconds remaining, the game wasn’t safe for the Fuel Masters as JC Intal muffed both free throws. But the Beermen failed to hit their mark in the fading seconds with Ross and Von Pessumal missing their attempts at the buzzer.

Calvin Abueva piled up 18 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, while Wright notched 12 of his 18 points in the finale to lead the Fuel Masters. Justin Chua and RJ Jazul made 15 and 14 points, respectively, also for Phoenix Pulse.

Fajardo led the Beermen with 22 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks.

Game 4 is set on Tuesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Scores:

Phoenix 92 – Abueva 18, Wright 18, Chua 15, Jazul 14, Perkins 8, Intal 8, Kramer 5, Revilla 4, Mallari 2, Napoles 0, Mendoza 0, Dennison 0, Guevarra 0.

San Miguel 90 – Fajardo 22, Cabagnot 18, Romeo 16, Standhardinger 16, Ross 8, Pessumal 3, Santos 3, Rosser 2, Nabong 2, Zamar 0, Tubid 0.

Quarterscores: 21-19, 40-36, 64-66, 92-90.